The Federal Government has outlined an ambitious plan for 2026 to deepen Nigeria’s engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area by identifying at least one exportable product in each of the country’s 774 local government areas. The initiative is designed to scale production, boost non-oil exports and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness across the continent.
Nigeria AfCFTA export products to be identified in every LGA
The effort will be led by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under the supervision of the Minister, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and operationalised through the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee. The ministry will work with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and state governments to ensure that every local council selects a viable product for the AfCFTA market.
Officials say the programme builds on milestones recorded during 2025 and forms a central plank of the Nigeria AfCFTA Agenda for 2026. A nationwide awareness and sensitisation campaign is planned to mobilise AfCFTA-inclined production, with targeted publications to demystify rules of origin, standards and other compliance requirements for businesses.
Regulatory alignment is a priority. The ministry will lead efforts to harmonise policy and regulatory frameworks so firms and exporters can meet AfCFTA protocols more easily. Strengthening institutional coordination and improving accountability among public agencies involved in trade facilitation are also highlighted as necessary steps to remove bottlenecks.
The 774-LGA approach aims to broaden the export base by tapping into local comparative advantages. In some councils this may focus on agro-processing, in others on light manufacturing, textiles or artisanal goods. By naming specific Nigeria AfCFTA export products at grassroots level, the government expects to create clearer value chains that attract investment and increase production capacity.
Investment mobilisation will prioritise expanding productive capacity in sectors deemed strategic for regional trade. The agenda envisages engagement with both foreign and domestic investors to position Nigeria as an innovation, production and distribution hub for the AfCFTA market. That includes facilitating private sector partnerships and improving infrastructure and industrial clustering where needed.
Practical support for businesses will include simple, practical guides to AfCFTA rules, compliance checklists and technical assistance aligned with the new regulatory framework. The ministry says these materials will target small and medium-sized enterprises to help them meet standards, access finance and integrate into cross-border value chains.
Experts note that aligning local efforts with continental trade opportunities could yield significant gains for non-oil export earnings and job creation. If successfully implemented, the LGA-level product identification exercise would create a pipeline of export-ready goods and services for AfCFTA markets while promoting inclusive growth across states and communities.
Implementation and monitoring will be key. The AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee will work with development partners, state governments and private sector actors to track progress and adjust interventions. With the initiative slated for 2026, authorities say preparatory work and stakeholder consultations will continue through the remainder of the year.
Key Takeaways:
- Federal Government will identify Nigeria AfCFTA export products in each of the country’s 774 local government areas.
- The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee will run nationwide awareness and regulatory alignment efforts.
- Action includes targeted business guides, state-level coordination with governors, and investment mobilisation to expand productive capacity.
